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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Can you get cancer from obesity?

Indeed several cancers such as postmenopausal breast, endometrial, renal, colon and esophageal cancer have been associated with obesity.   Fat contains enzyme called Aromatase which produces excess estrogen.  This constant production of estrogen is postulated to lead to development of breast and endometrial (uterine -womb) cancers.  In colon cancer, obesity is thought to increase the risk thru insulin and inflammatory pathways.

In my practice, I see many patients with uterine cancer related to excess weight.  We have about 40,000 new uterine cancers in the United States but see it very little in Africa or China where obesity is not yet a problem. Thus, reducing risk of cancers is another reason to lose weight.

Reference:
- Wolin KY, eta l. Physical activity and colon cancer prevention: a meta-analysis. Br J Cancer. 2009;100(4):611
 - Wolin KY, et al. Obesity and cancer. Oncologist. 2010;15(6):556.

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